Horseshoe scoreboard

ABSTRACT

A horseshoe scoreboard for keeping score in a horseshoes game is provided. The horseshoe scoreboard comprises a planar board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge substantially opposite the top edge, a first side edge between the top edge and the bottom edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge. A separation line extends along the top surface of the board creating a first scoring section and a second scoring section with the separation line positioned substantially halfway between the first side edge and the second side edge and the separation line being substantially parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge. A first series of first apertures are formed in the top surface of the board in the first scoring section with a first peg releasably receivable within one of the first apertures. A second series of second apertures are formed in the top surface of the board in the second scoring section with a second peg releasably receivable within one of the second apertures. A first player indication mark is formed in the first scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board and a second player indication mark is formed in the second scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board.

The present application claims the benefit of priority of pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/190,451, filed on Aug. 28, 2008, entitled “Horseshoe Scoreboard”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a horseshoe scoreboard and, more particularly, the invention relates to a horseshoe scoreboard consisting of a board that is specially designed to track scores using numbered peg holes.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Horseshoe pitching is a game where the essential feature is the tossing or throwing of a horseshoe at a pin, peg, or stake. The object of the game is to ring the pin or throw the horseshoe as close to the pin as possible. Horseshoe pitching is typically played on a court 50 feet long and 10 feet wide, with iron stakes extending 14 inches above the ground and planted 40 feet apart. The horseshoe, a U-shaped plate, usually of iron or steel, must not weigh more than 40 ounces. Two or four contestants play this classic game; each player stands at one stake and throws two horseshoes at the other stake. A ringer is made when the thrown horseshoe encloses the stake; it counts three points in scoring. If no player throws a ringer, one point is scored for the shoe closest to the stake. A total of fifty points usually wins the game.

One of the most typical methods of scoring in horseshoes is called count-all scoring. Count-all scoring can be where both contestants receive credit for all of their shoes that are scored in each inning. Each contestant can score zero, one, two, three, four, or six points. Conversely, count-all scoring can be where both contestants receive credit for only ringers pitched in each inning (Ringers Only). Each contestant may score zero, one, or two points per inning. However, this type of scoring should generally be limited to upper percentage classes.

In play, a score sheet is considered the official record of the game, and contestants are encouraged to pay close attention to the score at all times, because keeping score can be time consuming and frustrating. Typically monitored using pencil and paper, horseshoes score keeping can sometimes result in inaccuracies, mainly due to simple human error. However, when confusion reigns as opponents question the accuracy of scores, any fun in playing horseshoes can be rendered null and void. In addition, as horseshoes is always played outdoors, scorekeepers sometimes find themselves fighting to keep the pencil and paper from blowing away in windy or blustery weather.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a horseshoe scoreboard for keeping score in a horseshoes game. The horseshoe scoreboard comprises a planar board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge substantially opposite the top edge, a first side edge between the top edge and the bottom edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge. A separation line extends along the top surface of the board creating a first scoring section and a second scoring section with the separation line positioned substantially halfway between the first side edge and the second side edge and the separation line being substantially parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge. A first series of first apertures are formed in the top surface of the board in the first scoring section with a first peg releasably receivable within one of the first apertures. A second series of second apertures are formed in the top surface of the board in the second scoring section with a second peg releasably receivable within one of the second apertures. A first player indication mark is formed in the first scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board and a second player indication mark is formed in the second scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board.

The present invention further includes a method for keeping score in a horseshoes game. The method comprises providing a planar board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge substantially opposite the top edge, a first side edge between the top edge and the bottom edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge, extending a separation line along the top surface of the board, positioning the separation line substantially halfway between the first side edge and the second side edge and substantially parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge, creating a first scoring section and a second scoring section, forming a first series of first apertures in the top surface of the board in the first scoring section, inserting a first peg within one of the first apertures, forming a second series of second apertures in the top surface of the board in the second scoring section, inserting a second peg within one of the second apertures, providing a first player indication mark in the first scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board, and providing a second player indication mark in the second scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a horseshoe scoreboard, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating the horseshoe scoreboard, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating another embodiment of the horseshoe scoreboard, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating still another embodiment of the horseshoe scoreboard, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the horseshoe scoreboard mounted to a pole; and

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating still yet another embodiment of the horseshoe scoreboard, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the horseshoe scoreboard mounted to a structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the present invention is a horseshoe scoreboard, indicated generally at 10, for keeping score in a horseshoes game. The horseshoe scoreboard 10 of the present invention comprises a board 12 specially designed to track scores using numbered peg holes 14 or sliding score indicators 16. The horseshoe scoreboard 10 is preferably constructed from a durable plastic material in a pocket version or larger version for mounting on a pole 18 or building structure 20. It should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the horseshoe scoreboard 10 from other material including, but not limited to, wood and metal.

Basically rectangular in shape, the horseshoe scoreboard 10 of the present invention preferably measures approximately twenty-five and one-half (25½″) inches in length, approximately seven (7″) inches in width, and approximately one-half (½″) inch in depth although constructing the horseshoe scoreboard 10 in other geometric shapes or other dimensions is within the scope of the present invention. The top panel of the horseshoe scoreboard 10 is divided into two distinct sections, with one side serving as the scoring ground for one contestant and the other designated for the opposing contestant. Labeled accordingly, each side features a series of the peg holes 14, each numbered to designate a point value, up to twenty-one (21) or fifty (50) or higher. In an embodiment of the present invention, a first horseshoe 22 is centered above one series of peg holes 14 with an A player designation within the first horseshoe 22 and a second horseshoe 24 is centered above the other series of peg holes 14 with a B player designation within the second horseshoe 14.

A plurality of pegs 26 are included with the horseshoe scoreboard 10 of the present invention. The pegs 26 can be fabricated of a durable plastic material or other material, such as a Polytone material with two colors on one board, and color-coded to differentiate players. It should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the pegs 26 from other material including, but not limited to, wood and metal. With the pocket size version, a pair of sliding score indicators 16 can be provided rather than the holes 14 and pegs 26. Sold individually, the horseshoe scoreboard 10 can also be made available via combination packaging with sets of shoes and stakes.

The manner of use of the horseshoe scoreboard 10 of the present invention will now be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the manner of use of the horseshoe scoreboard 10 described herein is merely one method of use and other methods of use of the horseshoe scoreboard 10 are within the scope of the present invention.

Use of the horseshoe scoreboard 10 of the present invention is very simple and straightforward. First, the users choose an area to play horseshoes and set up the pieces accordingly. Placing the horseshoe scoreboard 10 in an area accessible to all players, users begin the game. As the horseshoes game is played and scores are accumulated, the users move a peg 26 from one numbered hole 14 to another. In this manner, each player or team of players can see, at a glance, the scoring status of all participants. When one team or player reaches or exceeds the predetermined, maximum point value, this winner is clearly declared.

The horseshoe scoreboard 10 of the present invention affords several significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the horseshoe scoreboard 10 provides horseshoes lovers with a simplified means of keeping score during games. Eliminating the need to laboriously and meticulously scribble each player's score using pencil and paper, the horseshoe scoreboard 10 effectively displays the scoring status of all players in a highly visible manner. As a result, players can quickly discern how far they must go to win the game, as well as how far they are ahead of or behind their opponents. In this manner, the horseshoe scoreboard 10 alleviates any conflict or confusion that can result from inaccurate score keeping. Additionally, this durable, stationary board holds up in most weather conditions, staunching any worry or aggravation that usually results when windy conditions keep trying to take away the paper and pencil. Extremely simple to use and containing minimal components, the horseshoe scoreboard 10 will be appreciated by all horseshoes players, from small children to senior citizens. Cleverly designed and made from high-quality materials, the horseshoe scoreboard 10 will withstand years of continued horseshoes fun.

While described and illustrated with the game of horseshoes in mind, the horseshoe scoreboard 10 of the present invention can be used with other games including, but not limited to, lawn darts, darts, shuffle board, bean bag toss, rope toss, bocce ball, croquet, badminton, volleyball, etc. In this manner, the first horseshoe 22 and the second horseshoe 24 are changed to reflect and indicate the game being played.

The horseshoe scoreboard of the present invention will readily enhance the domino playing experience for all who enjoy games. Functional and easy to use, the horseshoe scoreboard allows players to avoid the time consuming task of common score keeping methods.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein. 

1. A horseshoe scoreboard for keeping score in a horseshoes game, the horseshoe scoreboard comprising: a planar board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge substantially opposite the top edge, a first side edge between the top edge and the bottom edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge; a separation line extending along the top surface of the board creating a first scoring section and a second scoring section, the separation line positioned substantially halfway between the first side edge and the second side edge, the separation line being substantially parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge; a first series of first apertures formed in the top surface of the board in the first scoring section; a first peg releasably receivable within one of the first apertures; a second series of second apertures formed in the top surface of the board in the second scoring section; a second peg releasably receivable within one of the second apertures; a first player indication mark in the first scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board; and a second player indication mark in the second scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board.
 2. The horseshoe scoreboard of claim 1 wherein the first series of first apertures are consecutively numbered and the second series of second apertures are consecutively numbered.
 3. The horseshoe scoreboard of claim 2 wherein the numbering of the first apertures corresponds to the numbering of the second aperture.
 4. The horseshoe scoreboard of claim 1 wherein the board is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, wood, and metal.
 5. The horseshoe scoreboard of claim 1 wherein the horseshoe scoreboard is sized and shaped for being inserted into a pocket.
 6. The horseshoe scoreboard of claim 1 wherein the board is rectangular in shape and measures approximately twenty-five and one-half (25½″) inches in length, approximately seven (7″) inches in width, and approximately one-half (½″) inch in depth.
 7. The horseshoe scoreboard of claim 1 wherein the first player indication mark is a first horseshoe centered above the first series of first apertures and the second player indication mark is a second horseshoe centered above the second series of second apertures.
 8. The horseshoe scoreboard of claim 1 wherein the first scoring section has a first color and the second scoring section has a second color, the first color being different than the second color.
 9. The horseshoe scoreboard of claim 1 and further in combination with a horseshoes playing set comprising a plurality of horseshoes and a pair of horseshoe stakes.
 10. A method for keeping score in a horseshoes game, the method comprising: providing a planar board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge substantially opposite the top edge, a first side edge between the top edge and the bottom edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge; extending a separation line along the top surface of the board; positioning the separation line substantially halfway between the first side edge and the second side edge and substantially parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge; creating a first scoring section and a second scoring section; forming a first series of first apertures in the top surface of the board in the first scoring section; inserting a first peg within one of the first apertures; forming a second series of second apertures in the top surface of the board in the second scoring section; inserting a second peg within one of the second apertures; providing a first player indication mark in the first scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board; and providing a second player indication mark in the second scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board.
 11. The method of claim 10 and further comprising: consecutively numbering the first series of first apertures; and consecutively numbering the second series of second apertures.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the numbering of the first apertures corresponds to the numbering of the second aperture.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the first player indication mark is a first horseshoe centered above the first series of first apertures and the second player indication mark is a second horseshoe centered above the second series of second apertures.
 14. The method of claim 10 wherein the first scoring section has a first color and the second scoring section has a second color, the first color being different than the second color.
 15. The method of claim 10 and further comprising: packaging the components with a horseshoes playing set comprising a plurality of horseshoes and a pair of horseshoe stakes.
 16. A scoreboard for keeping score in a game, the scoreboard comprising: a board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge substantially opposite the top edge, a first side edge between the top edge and the bottom edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge; a separation line extending along the top surface of the board creating a first scoring section and a second scoring section, the separation line positioned substantially halfway between the first side edge and the second side edge, the separation line being substantially parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge; a first score indicator in the first scoring section; a second score indicator in the second scoring section; a first game corresponding indication mark centered in the first scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board; and a second game corresponding indication mark centered in the second scoring section adjacent the top edge of the board.
 17. The scoreboard of claim 16 wherein the first score indicator is a first series of consecutively numbered first apertures formed in the top surface of the board in the first scoring section and a first peg releasably receivable within one of the first apertures, and wherein the second score indicator is a second series of consecutively numbered second apertures formed in the top surface of the board in the second scoring section and a second peg releasably receivable within one of the second apertures.
 18. The scoreboard of claim 16 wherein the first score indicator is a first slider moveable along the first edge of the board and the second score indicator is a second slider moveable along the second edge.
 19. The scoreboard of claim 16 wherein the first scoring section has a first color and the second scoring section has a second color, the first color being different than the second color.
 20. The scoreboard of claim 16 and further in combination with a horseshoes playing set comprising a plurality of horseshoes and a pair of horseshoe stakes. 